We are pleased to announce the fourth edition of the visual art event Ex tempore Kraljevica – The Lantern Awakens…

This international Ex tempore (Lat. without preparation) event – a painting competition and open-air art gathering – will take place on Sunday, 14 September 2025, starting at 10:00 AM, in the Nova Kraljevica – Frankopan Castle.

The name The Lantern Awakens… was chosen in honor of one of Kraljevica’s key landmarks – the Oštro Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses ever built in this region.

This artistic event aims to promote visual arts, bring together young and old art enthusiasts, not only from Kraljevica but also from across Croatia and abroad. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to witness the creation of artworks in real-time, inspired by the stunning local surroundings – and all artworks will be available for purchase.

The event will also enrich the cultural and tourism offer of Kraljevica and help extend the tourist season. We hope it will grow into a long-standing tradition, much like similar events in Grožnjan, Volosko or Trsat in Rijeka, which attract numerous visitors every year.

Kraljevica certainly has all the attributes to become a recognizable cultural destination – especially with such events being held in the beautifully restored castle, which provides an atmosphere unlike any other.

Participation is free of charge. The organizer will provide each participant with a chair, sandwich, and a bottle of water.

Participants can register in the following categories: children, grades 1–4 and 5–8 (primary school), and adults, from high school age onward, divided into two groups: amateurs and professionals.

Registration will take place on-site at the castle’s Multimedia Hall, starting at 10:00 AM on the day of the event.

Only artworks created on the spot and based on the assigned theme will be judged and awarded. This year’s theme is Through the Coast with the Coastal Folk – a broad and inspiring topic rooted in local heritage and identity.

Participants are free to choose any materials or medium for drawing or painting. Artists are welcome to bring and display artworks they have created previously; however, these will not be eligible for judging but can be exhibited as part of a personal showcase. Such works often attract the interest of visitors and are frequently sold on-site.

All submitted works created on-site will be evaluated by a professional jury composed of: Bojana Cvejić Zagorc, Nevena Živić, Nenad Petronio, and Ivan Tomečak.

Cash and practical prizes will be awarded to the best works by our respected sponsors, organizers, and partners. First place in the professionals category (best work Ex tempore) will be awarded with a money prize of € 600.00 (sponsored by Kvarnerplastika d.o.o., keeps the picture), and first place in the amateurs category will receive a money prize of € 300.00 (sponsored by Halloice j.d.o.o. and Pismotisak j.d.o.o.). Sponsors of other awards are: Zvončica Kraljevica, Painting Atelier Tomečak, Tavern Fran Krsto Frankopan, Cultural Route The Routes of the Frankopans, hair salon Lotus Šmrika and the Kraljevica Tourist Board. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors for their selfless support of our growing event every year.

Rewarding participants, especially children and youth, is a long-standing tradition at events like this. Practical prizes serve as encouragement for young talents, amateur artists, and academic painters to return and participate again in future editions of Ex tempore Kraljevica. Our goal is to build this event into a traditional gathering and continuously grow its award fund and cultural value.

Come and join us – whether as an artist or visitor, and enjoy a full day of creativity and community in the magical setting of Frankopan Castle. The afternoon part of the program will also be enriched with a musical performance by the acoustic duo Honey & Bee. The concert starts at 3:30 PM, and the entire event is scheduled to last until 6:00 PM.

The event is held in collaboration with academic painter Ivan Tomečak (Painting Atelier Tomečak), organized by the Kraljevica Tourist Board, and supported by the City of Kraljevica, the local tourist board, and other sponsors. Throughout the day, visitors can also explore the Kraljevica Visitor and Interpretation Centre, the Small Museum of Fishing and Shipbuilding, the Ana Katarina Gallery, and the3rd Space Project exhibition. All of these venues will be open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with free admission.

Despite the unstable weather forecast, the event will go ahead as planned because the castle atrium will be covered with a tent.